Number of guests

Estancia Despedida

This is fishing for sea-run browns, 6 to 30 lbs. It is the best sea-run brown fishing in the world.

Arrivals and Departures

Arrival and departure days are Saturdays. The lodge does only full week stays during the middle of the season. Early and late season they may do shorter stays.

Accomodations

The warm and comfortable log lodge is set just above the river with a panoramic view of the Rio Grande Valley. There are three double bedrooms with private baths. The living room/lounge is the place to relax after a day on the water with a glass of wine from the bar.

Non Anglers / Activities

This is recommended for anglers only.

Airport / Logistics

Anglers fly into Buenos Aires and typically overnight. The next day take the 3 hour flight to Rio Grande. The transfer time to the lodge is 1 1/2 hours. Should there be scheduling problem for Rio Grande (there have been in the past) you will fly into Ushuaia. This requires a longer land transfer to the lodge and an additional $150 per person each way.

Climate

The temperatures range from 40's to 70's. In the early and late season, it can frost at night. If you prepare like you are going to Alaska but add more wind, you will be perfect.

Flight from Buenos Aires, hotel and meals in BA, fishing license (which is about $200), gratuities, flies, transfers if needed from Ushuaia $150 per person, and Medevac coverage.

Currency/Credit Cards

The lodge does not take credit cards or checks. US dollars or Argentine Pesos are it. There is not need to change money. Hotels and restaurants in BA do take credit cards.

Gratuities

A suggested guide gratuity is $50 per day per angler, $100 total and staff tips of $120-150 per week per angler.

Medical Facilities

There is medical attention available in Rio Grande. If it is something serious you will need to go to Buenos Aires. Medevac coverage is strongly recommended.

Documentation

A US Passport is required. US citizens do not need a visa.

Beverages

The lodge furnishes wine, beer, sodas and water. If you would like a little Scotch or another spirit, please bring it with you from duty free.

Laundry

There is laundry service available, but the laundry needs to be taken to town, with a 2-day turnaround.

Phone, Internet, Power

Phone: paid phone

Internet: free internet

Power: 220 volts

Despedida Lodge is located on Estancia Despedida, which has numerous runs that are some prime fishy water on the Rio Grande. They are only a 45 minute drive from the town of Rio Grande. Upstream they are bordered by the Menendez River and Kau Tapen Lodge and downstream by Estancia Jose Menendez. This is Sea Run Brown central. The comfortable and solidly built log lodge is just minutes from the river. Each pair of anglers shares a spacious bedroom with two double beds and a private bath. Taking only 6 anglers per week makes for personalized fishing and service.
Despedida Lodge is located on Estancia Despedida, which has numerous runs that are some prime fishy water on the Rio Grande. They are only a 45 minute drive from the town of Rio Grande. Upstream they are bordered by the Menendez River and Kau Tapen Lodge and downstream by Estancia Jose Menendez. This is Sea Run Brown central. The comfortable and solidly built log lodge is just minutes from the river. Each pair of anglers shares a spacious bedroom with two double beds and a private bath. Taking only 6 anglers per week makes for personalized fishing and service.

The lodge and fishing program are run by Danny and Helen Lajous, and guide Ozzie, who has over 15 years of experience on the Rio Grande. Each pair of anglers is assigned a guide and 4 wheel drive vehicle. All of the guides are bilingual and quite experienced, with years spent on the Rio Grande.

The meals at the lodge are outstanding, with Italian-influenced Argentine cuisine. For breakfast there is fresh fruit, juices, cereal and pastries with optional full “American breakfast” with eggs cooked to order. After a morning of fishing, lunch is the large meal of the day, served with wine and followed with coffee and desert. Then it is siesta time. In the late afternoon you head back out to the river and fish until twilight. This can be a magical time of day, with happy aggressive fish in the low light. Dinner is lighter than lunch and typically served at 10:30 or later.